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VERS EGO 



BY 



ERIC P. SCHULZE 




BOSTON 

THE GORHAM PRESS 

MCMXVIII 



Copyright, 1918, by Eric P. Schulze 



All Rights Reserved 






MADE IN THE UNITBID STATBJS OF AMBHIOA 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



UcC 26 ISi8 



1^ 



.0^1 



INTRODUCTION 

O! Love profoundest goodness, 
Thou stiller knowest best 
Beyond this planet's ladder 
Thy smile is but to bless. 
In Love I where perceived 
And painly strifed the goal 
In Love I found no grief 
Thy life has made me whole. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Very Soon 9 

The Echo to Above ! lo 

The Rider lo 

Behind the Walls 1 1 

The Return 13 

Poetry 15 

A Song 16 

Ring Out 17 

The Library 18 

The Kingdom Animals 20 

The Oak and the Ivy 22 

The Tourist 24 

Caterpillar and Butterfly 25 

Arise 27 

Columbus' Dream 28 

The Meeting 30 

A Garden 31 

Roses 32 

Obstacles 33 

A Sweet Face 34 

Correction 36 

The Day 39 

The Image of the Man 40 

A Measure 42 

The Millstream 43 

The New Tree 45 

Infinitum 46 

Trinity 46 

A Prayer 47 

5 



Contents 



Page 

Time 48 

Nature's Symphony Day 49 

Night 53 

Midnight 57 

Happiness 58 

Abrasons 59 

The Healing Ray 61 

The School of the Masters 62 

The Golden Seal 64 

The Face 65 

A Gain 66 

Beware 67 

My Prayer 68 

The Change 69 

Thanksgiving 72 

The Form 73 

Sunday Morn 75 

The Crown 76 

Reflection 77 

The Process 78 

Bells of New Age 82 

A Flower Contest 83 

Reproach 86 

Nature Again 87 

Autumn Leaflets 88 

The Leaflet 89 

Autumn Farewell 91 



PREFACE 

When Man becomes a writer 
And Love is the dictator 
That Life is inspiration 
And God his only revelation. 

When Man becomes a painter 

Of naught but of his Maker 

Unseen hand will guide his 

To show his Children, what true art is. 

When man becomes Musician 

Of eternal gaze expression 

The King of harmony, his ringing 

Will fill all space with play and singing. 



VERY SOON 

England, for your Shakespeare, Milton- 
France, for your Lemartin, Hugo 
Germany, my Schiller, Goethe 
And Teuton blood within my frame? 

America! come teach us all, 
Stand sample in your freedom call. 
The choisest seed, that hold'st within, 
The Truth, that makes all Races Kin. 

No German, Frenchman, Englishman 

No further striving be it than, 

But as I said America, 

Your Love leads on, — and no more war. 



lO Vers Ego 



THE ECHO TO ABOVE! 

What is the Truth? 
Unless you live, 
That you might give 

For all its use. 
What is this Love 
Unless you prove 
Than God will choose 
His servants thus. 

THE RIDER 

Eyes immortal giving light, 
Life the porter offering might 
Love all over healing thus 
Art beholder brightening up. 
Sense the border breaking hence 
Whence my older framing ends 
Last my holder riding vast 
Passed this mortal breathing Love. 



Vers Ego II 



BEHIND THE WALLS 

My birds, my trees, have gone to rest ; 

Thusingly with heavy breast 

I am left here alone. 

Safe books of choicest friends esteemed. 

And visitors Divine I dreamed 

This snowy wintry night at home. 

A deathly silence every where, 
A shivery cold beyond compare, 
And winds paced crying by. 
He could not play with leaves of Fall 
All covered up in softly snow. 
Awaiting patiently the day. 

Instead took pleasure and delight 
With paper to and fro he played 
A stranger note hear. 
Till all at once neath heavy feet 
Of passers-by in quickness speed 
A painful cry again rung near. 

Of frost he cried and human feet 
Those many flakes of snowy seed 
Neath all this changing game 
Again the wind blew to and fro 
Perceived these beauty lines of snow 
And pictured white and bright and fine. 



2 Vers Ego 

passe long by, O! lovely all! 
Passe by, passe by, O friends of God 
And all that biding brings. 

Your bedding down to cover earth, 

1 begging up, to seek my birth, 
Ah, wait, wait until the spring. 

The tiny oven near me stood 

Though small it heated all and would 

Example lend to give. 

His warm breath to fill my frame 

Straight upward ever like his flame 

My prayer, O Goodness all, receive! 



Vers Ego ^3 



THE RETURN 

Goodby then all you City-folks, 
Here parts my way, back to the woods, 
Where is my song so dearly kept 
This where I first my Love have met 

And running like a child so wild 
To find my favorite spot, where mild 
The giant trees looked down to hark 
Sometimes my voice, or flute at times, 
To applaud me, when all this fine. 

At last arrived. Ah me, I'm here 
Of joy, of laughter my trees so near. 

I could not help embrace them all 
You at least, did understand. 
Though silent listened, where. 
My beating pulse with strength 
Brought forth a thundering song. — 
Re-echoed sweet in distant long. 

I stopped and looked around 
No human frame to see 
Save only you, my giant tree, 
Smilingly he left his head, bowed down 
And said, I am glad I've found 
You have improved since last. — 
This flattered me 
But still, you see 

Far more than ordinary human beings. 
Thine age all proves this well, your feeling 
Every day God's Love reflected deep. 
To all that breath, that moves and feed 
Of temporal Ideas, his word 



14 Vers Ego 



And drinks in nature's bosom handiwork 
To all that breathes, that moves and feed 

Now for this melody I have preserved 
For your returning hark, — and play your flute. 
Now listen, swelling, moving, imitating 
This art so rare, of wooing Love, 

Melodious refrain. 
This holy impulse fair 

wished, I had them here 
All hearers on the earth 
Lo, only this but one. 

Strange, very strange to human ear. 
Surprised the trees, amazed and spook 
All their own Love to him, and bowed. 
All in a moment silence 
All seemed to cease 
Even up on the highest trees. 
Leaflets, nor dared to move 
All creature termined like in a call. 
No noise, no sound around. 
This dearest of all places 
Here where I found my bride 
In awe, took off my hat 
And wooed alone. 

1 heard majestic voice 
Behold your price. 



Vers Ego 15 



POETRY 

What is she? 
Daughter of Divinity 
Beauty only reality 

Aye, who is striving her to imitate? 
Nay, not this. 
In lowly thought 
She is not wrought. 

Who is she? 

A light for you and me, 

Waiting there on mountain's feet. 

My ! How great her Love is brought to imitate 

Shine on, shine! 

My unalterable me ! 

Why is she? 
Because in guiding, we 

Soon behold her greater light. 
See her now, embracing 
Science of the Christ 
On yonder mountain top? 
Ah me, Ah me ! 



1 6 Fers Ego 



A SONG 
O sing, ye people! 
Aye, proclaim 

The goodness on this earth 
How beautiful this Love 

We name 
But wholeness in his birth. 
Long, long our dream kept on 
Now dimly we perceive 
Christ utter words 
Thrilled into one 
Ne'er failing wakening out 
Of this pretending, 
Eyes open ending 
The earthly nightmare. 
We breathe now all, 
And gladly fly , 
Unto the sky. 
And here on shore 
We often sought before 
Our earth has touched 
Through rolling, watched 
On opening, in front of stately gates 
Rolled on and on, and into it. 
No wonder, only speechless words 
No ponder, only music without sounds. 
No other, only God, in all 
Ah me! no further 
Less I move too soon 
This pictured heavenliest bloom Awake! 
O shout with might ! 
Till all is light. 



Fers Ego 17 



RING OUT 

Ring out! 

O ! thou my heart 
Ring out ! 
A happy madness craves within my breast. 
Drowned, yea drowned 

And yet I live. 
Now even stronger, stranger forcefully. 

thou ! Ring out my heart 

Ring out! • 

In vain. 

It cannot cease 
Its strain. 
My Love's sweet secret 
Beat through No man's land. 
A Cry of joy. 

Ah! No man's land, 
Around on beams of light 
Clad in Life's mystery. 

And space of bottomless Handjoins. 

What peace, 
In silence thus. 
What ease! 

1 feared to loose at first 
Drowned in Love how safe 

A hushing voice, 
O thou! My God! 
My heart it will not cease, 

(Nor ever shall, 

Now be at ease.) 
Ring on. 



1 8 Fers Ego 



THE LIBRARY 

And I saw her every morn 
Beautiful clad 
Aye, she wore a gown, 
Or better 'twas a vest. 
Of sky blue color. 

Most chosen well expressed 
Immensity of blue 
Beyond our mind to grasp. 
Where as a crimson smile played round her lips. 

This a Library, albeit. 

Master words it had 
Studied deeply, aid 
In cause of living best. 
And time again 
My bluest lady fair 
Serenely still passed by 
And felt her goldlike Hair 
Ah! here a curlsome smile meekly awhile. 

Loveliest sample, purity 
Added graceful form. 
O! how eager she 
Sorted books, between 
The Isle in wonder. 

And here, now right behind 
To trace her charming way 
Shut I my eyes, like blind 

But just to see a wave like smile, 
Floating awhile. 



Vers Ego 19 



Only for your smile, forgive 
This no earthly power 
After I will miss. 
Nightly, in a flower 
Alone, appeared, 

Saw I thee slyly Kiss, 
Much like your vest was dressed 
Whereas a smile divine 

Brought endless bliss. 



20 Vers Ego 



THE KINGDOM ANIMALS 



What spell is in the air? 
This morn, this win'try morn 

His days I say, 

His eyes I say, 
Are soon and sooner gone. 

I heard the sparrows shout, 
This morn, this passing morn. 

Be wise they cried 

Arise they cried 
These drifting days have gone. 

And passing through the street, 
This morn, this towering morn 

A splendid day 

Within my lay 
Where'er my eyes did roam. 

Swelled, heaved my breast to see 
This morn, this sunny morn 

Two horses nice 

Speaking with eyes 
Leaning their heads, 'gainst me. 

Each other's neck profound. 
As would they say this morn. 

This lovely, morn, 

Because its warm. 
And spring entranced adorned. 



Vers Ego 21 



His messengers appointed 
In Kindom's animals 
Fara, Fara 
Shout as you nay 
And so I did this, else 

I would miss, Spring balms 
Or fail to rise this morn 
And passerby 
I hummed rondelay 
With me in one, this dawn. 



22 Vers Ego 



THE OAK AND THE IVY 

Majestic clad in strength and splendor, 
Alone amid encircling woods, 
One oak so tall like a defender 
Of lasting prove in ages stood. 
But Lo-an Ivy down her feet 
Lifted her head and said so meek, 
Could I O graceful Oak still add to thy appear- 
ance, 
What would Man say to see thee thus in pleasure 
And I would from thy bow, see far the world 
And tiny creature below. 
This flattery well. 
The Oak agreed, 
And quick around the body speed 
The Ivy, full of innocence, 
She knew not whither to go hence. 
Nor would she say 
It was to a lie 
Until too late. 

The Ivy eat 

The Oak, her bread 

And breath, she took away. 

Her leaves all flew astray. 

O God! Who hast all things made right 

My strength, my beauty, and yet sore afraid? 

Ah! creeping lie! 

Why did I hark thy voice? 

Woe unto me 

Just as of old 



Vers Ego 23 

Before the earth began 
Man listened to they lie. 

But never am I lost, 

For only this a dream 

Awakening soon my being. — 

Naked and in shame 

Alone I stand amid the woods, 

No strength, no splendor! 

But only Ivy seen as my defender. 

Thus I await a storm, _ 

Yea, a storm so strong and lightnmg. 

And Lo, my body with your lying 

Both of us. 

Soon it is passed. 

A stroke well aimed, a crash, and hre 

Good boy O earth 

Paid is a liar.— 

And yet a hope so sweet, 

A yearn within my breast, 

A Lesson to you all 

To strife eternal rest 

To live beyond my fall 

When brought up on my feet 

Or found and learned which best. 

How shall I praise this ball 

Of earth, conceived to bless 

The Master builder well 

Sees his and all 

One endless harmony. 



24 Vers Ego 



THE TOURIST 

What is he after, earnest wanderer? 
Naught, but in nature's loving bosom, 
Touring, walking, seeking, finding. 
Playing, singing and adoring 
Shine of beauty, never mourning 

Lovely views before the eyes. 
Music, never ceasing laughing, 
Going, wondering all his life 
Sweetest strains ring in the ears 
Children of the AUknown, heirs 
Like birds, fully to partake 
Freedom through all yours. 
Great indeed this joy of making 
After daily playing, waiting 
Seeking God's immensity 
Though on many roads and countries, 
Other seas and different places, 
Meeting races, loving stranger 
Though in one and all our brothers. 
Clasping hands, smiling eyes 
Love and Truth glowed alike 
Sons eternally endowed 
Human chains in loving bowed. 



Vers Ego 25 



CATERPILLER AND BUTTERFLY 

Caterpillar Wormly, venomous ugly clad 
None of celestial beauty do I own 
Man dislikes me 
Birds beat me 
Trees downshake me 
And nowhere is my home. 
Vanity, purpose, falsehood, clay, 
Creeping, seeking, eating. 
Though the nature full to enjoy 
Waiting time unfolding. 

Could I only sing to gladden every heart, 
Would I only own, colors, flowers art. 
Or fly like birds beneath the sky and laugh. 
Yet in all my ugliness 
Something the Creator has left 
Hope, sweet hope, persistent desire. 
This even I will aspire 
This only, which is left, I see 
Beginning clearly future me. 
A thread to me was given 
That I may weave with it my coffin 
And death invited me to lie 
My body in it, possession died. 
Butterfly 

Who told you it was ever thus, 
Heavenly rainbow colors clad, 

Children play me 

Birds begreat me 

Worlds rejoice me 
All the seeing, feeling in my boso^ 



26 Fers Ego 



Nectar, honey, inviting flower blossoms 
Playing, smiling, waiting 
For more beauty in display 
Time adoring, say! 
High I measured space, my wings 
Soaring higher, gliding dawn, sings 
Every one, and Love's regladding, 
Sunshine alone my all. 

The light of what I own, I give to Man, that he 

might see and live 
How in a short, all can be changed 
An ugly worm, now like a saint of the immortal, 

whence subject to obedience 
To love, and plea, work soon seems a play. 
The tread, the hope, revealer 
Of more splendor, faithful seeker 
In the old garden of Life's harboring 
Truth the planter, Man the reaper 
Eternal Mind, Man, his mirror. 



Fers Ego 27 



ARISE 

Arise! Brethren arise! 
Awake from thine pride 
Stilling your longings in Christ 
Filling all emptiness wise 
Harmonious Eyes of Life. 

Arise! Sisters, arise! 
Of loving simple eyes 
Leading inferior march to heights 
Whence peace eternal reigns 
Melodious singing of praise 

Arise! Beloved, arise! 
The days of recoming lies 
Always within you, deceit! 
Dwellers in Truth, Love and Light 
Triumphant ringing Life. 



28 Vers Ego 

COLUMBUS' DREAM 

Serene and still with confidence, 

A sailing vessel one of old 

Spaced through the sea depths immense 

Toward a land of purer gold. 

The seeker on this ship gazed far, 
To find this land of promised dreams 
Discouragement seemed well to bar 
His hope and love to all his means. 

The comrades saw him on the bridge, 
Looking up, they did not understand. 
Only to listen afterwards his speech. 
Keep thou on, he said, God is our hand. 

This restless waiting day and night. 
Soon was rewarded from above 
When on one night one shipmate cried 
Look brethren, land it shows. 

And everyone went on their knee 
Patient and Love, then found its crown 
To day, our land of liberty 
To them it were a babe just born. 

The striking hours soon marked the time, 
No more a babe it is to-day 
Grown up, and fed on thoughts divine 
And many a battle it had to pay. 



Vers Ego 29 



Lincoln, Washington there was and Penn, 
And many other words wrote wtII, 
Distinct the lives of Independence 
To-day, our President can tell. 

Someone has said that our coin. 

Is spent too much on idleness 

This now decidely proves void 

When time knocks hard, we do our best. 

In God we Trust the coin responds 
Like yonder stars on horizon 
For better love and more resource 
We answer for our liberty with bonds. 

To thee, O splendor youth the call 
Did'st never real good, still, 
Here is your chance, here is your pull, 
Quick let your heart respond I will. 

Would'st have us all admire your fight, 
Columbus' dream will then come true 
To have on earth eternal light 
Of happiness and joy for you. 

For you to see your work well done 
For us of peace and joy some more 
One president, who voices then 
Our God and only Emperor. 



30 Vers Ego 



THE MEETING 

A day was full soon completed 
Hour after hour spend to feed with 
Grows of this earth unlimited. 

An evening of deep reflection, 
Improved wherever the detection 
Thus thought a youth, ideals selection. 

Ne'er satisfied was he, his progress 
Failed after here, and there not less 
Who was the fault? perhaps I guess? 

He sought his master infinite 
Alone, safe nature he was with 
The meeting opened, God and his. 

O, starry heavens, calmness night 
I crave your light, my only bride 
Pray learn me, teach me, thy delight. 

And here the greatest teacher spoke 
If you ask me my child real loud 
Sincere, and prove, in love bestowed. 

Would day by day I grant thee all 
To day much wa'st of fault behold, 
Here one, there two, now act be bold. 

You stand with feet of Truth upon 
Take steps, short hour lost, have gone 
Another step to come, beg on. 



Fers Ego 31 



Here take my hand, my word, now look 
In work and play of day you would 
Become at last my heir in good. 

A GARDEN 

Behold, the earthly gardens 

Lo — what trees and fruits thereto 

But time in every season 

To cultivate to free the weeds 

Uncleanness, all that which seeks 

To hinder progress of its trees. 

This done now for the pious fruits. 

My unnumberable of its art 

Of berries in meekness full 

Until of larger sort, each in his part. 

O trees shake well your heads, 

Take heed and blow with speed 

In all the winds their mortal weed. 

That you might give in plenty 

The harvester, and take your empty 

Midst greater, better garden still. 

For it well pleased, he sees you cheers 

Transplants thee, bearing fruit of Love. 



32 Vers Ego 

ROSES 

Who, in thy ever loving smile 

Made thee, my rose? What breath 

Of beauty and color, the while 

You try to conquer every heart. 

No doubt, you're Queen of all they art. 

Who, in thy ever fragrant head 

Thought thee so wonderful triumphing? 

Nor can I ever pay thee back, 

Thou bringer of Life musing 

My choicest friend, harmonious singing. 

In all her loveliness desiring to break 
Her from the stem and pressed 
With tender passion to awake 
Kissing this love divinely blessed. 
But, "Oh! a thorn," with pain I cried. 



Vers Ego 33 



OBSTACLES 

Before the mighty, thundering sea 

Beside colossal mountains, 

Behind our foes crying to break 

And separate our faith in thee, 

Thou all inclusive thee. 

A voice so still and low, 

Yet v^^ell for all to hear 

Keep on, hope on, press on 

And greater grows thy ear 

In understanding 

And show no fear 

Their eyes beholding 

Thine immortal everywhere, 

A stormy night of chaos breaking, 

Returning, whence their origin 

Immortal Mind 

To shape a new making 

Yet stranger, grander 

And obedient to his will. 

Keep on, hope on, press on. 

A night of crying 

Yet be still. 

For soon we find ourselves, 

Carried forth divinely self 

In hands through ethereal heights 

There stilled, on bosom full of Life, our crying 

And Love knew no more dying 

Forgotten where discords before 

Keep on, hope on, press on. 



34 Fers Ego 



A SWEET FACE 

A sweet face this was, 

One afternoon, through country beautiful 

On train, no time was lost 

Adoring memory, yet shy, 

A lady sweet and fair, 

I could not gaze elsewhere 

But eager longed and breathed 

Her loveliness so close by. 

She sat before me 

All the way, beside a friend, she spoke 

As if I understood. 

And watched her sweet, cute lips 

Of words, a gentle mouth 

Refined, charming manners 

Yet meekly full of love 

In quality divine this was. 

I tried my book. 

Awhile this well, beginning to forget 

But my! I never felt this look 

Before, and burning cheeks. 

I could not read a line. 

Nor understand the same. 

But love beat closely by 

Within an arm's-wide reach. 

O glorious present! 

The book no longer seemed to hold 

My eyes upon it, "Lend 

Me a look," I pleading would. 



Vers Ego 35 



No answer, no, how low I felt. 
Never I cared, but this 
Seemed stronger, ever yearning 
Crept in, yet all amiss. 

Beholding her so nigh. 
Never attainable, this beauty 
A memory, a dream might 
Strengthen love in me. 
For Love alone expressed 
In countless ideas to bless 
Be it flowers various, 
Or a sweet Lady fair. 

If I would win her. 

Take consequence to lose, and break 

Would bind and hinder, 

No, alone this fancy 

I played upon, like strain 

On harp brought forth. 

A musing changing ever 

No loss, but only gain. 

A station soon approached. 

Her friend bid her good-by, and kissed 

Her, of friendliness full: 

Two loving, tender maidens 

O! for this kiss so dear, 

Pressed two little mouths 

And sparkling teeth, like pearls 

Perfect in beauty's presence. 



36 Vers Ego 



My heart beat fast, 

She waved her hand toward her friend, 

And looked around at last 

Met my eyes, a deeply sight 

Both felt alike, this moment 

Alonging, begging light 

Shone in her deep blue eyes 

Smiled me good-by. 

CORRECTION 

O! for these arguments 

That there must be 

On one side, the senses, 

On the other, eternity. 

How real to the flesh 

Yet the lie of itself 

If pleasure in lust 

A life long to fail 

Thou ask the tenfold return. 

Depart, rotten lie 

God never made you 

Nor has endowed you 

With power to please 

And here error ceased. 
A calm quickening breath, 
A singing of voices, 
A laughter rejoicing, 
A heavenly kiss. 

Awaking profoundly 

Arise to more bounty 

To strive for one will 



Fers Ego 37 



In love and to fill 

With truth empty places. 
Fulfilling the pages 
Thou light of the ages 
Our Guardian still 
Our heaven within 
And all children kin. 

O, what comparison 

The flesh, or would believe 

Of life in matter? 

This mortal dream 

Of few days — no — better, 

Thy likeness, unchanging, goodness all 

And life forever. 
Well dost thou give thy children 
Of gift unsought, unknown 
If true to thy command. 
Thou give'st them greater even 
A load of joy of peace 
Yea, even without end, 
And singing never ceased. 

And back I looked the way 

That gone before. 
Obeying thy voice of truth. 
If only just one instant 
Behold, a thousandfold return 
So unlike senses, human self 
That seeks naught else 
But to destroy and die, it serves. 



38 Vers Ego 



Yea, clear now is this way 

Though error claims are nigh 

If proven in thy love 

It nothingness, left for decay 

With surer steps 

Thou then art blessed 

A millionfold rewarded. 

O peaceful night, commingling joy 
My heart cries loud, cries loud to thee 
And far and far away I hear 
An answer sweet and flowing near 
Of love in love, now thou shalt live 
This is my law, a life to give, to give, 
Shalt never lose it, your place always 
Reserved, with all my children's coming days 

Though earth thee no more binds 
Thy good to heights it claims 
As all perfected think 
It grows, to heaven swings 
Whence all the shadows flee 
Beholding over me. 



Vers Ego 39 



THE DAY 

1. Ah, heavenly bliss — peace, joy, peace. 

2. I look upon thy face — Love, Life, Love. 

3. No mortal picture — Truth, Truth, Truth. 

4. Far from the earth — No storm, nor decay. 

5. And mortal strife — ceased, ceased, ceased. 

6. Eternal present son — Christ unclouded. 

7. Glorious rapture — One perfect whole. 

8. And our everselves — We children. 

9. I heard a noise — Canaan, laughter, crying 

10. Purification — giving up. 

11. Mortality — knowing thee. 

12. Understanding — obeying. 

13. Dried those tears — in prayers. 

14. Healed and loved — the new earth. 

15. Ah Gladsome noise — Songs of harmony. 

16. One human chain — Truth, God's words. 

17. Always unchanging — Spirit, all one mind. 

18. Believing those tidings — O tried earth. 

19. Of Mother call — Arise, rejoice. 

20. Long have you slept — In mortal frames. 

21. Cry aloud with joy — Give thanks anew, 

22. Pause, watch, here — Lo-me-here. 

23. Love, work. Love — Play, pray, Play. 

24. Pray, wait, pray — Day, awake, awake! 



40 Vers Ego 



THE IMAGE OF THE MAN 

Clasping the hands of parting day 
Stood sister of the night in splendor 
To share her beauty of its day 
Perfected night, this day would render. 

A slowly wanderer of far 
Surpassed the test of chaos ages 
Together with friend evening star 
Rejoicing, strollig through the spaces. 

The evening star, our love of token 
A guide of old to three wise men 
Your truth and light always unbroken 
A glorious hope, the coming dawn. 

Thou wanderer of shining gold 
A million greetings us to give 
God's presence always to unfold, 
This new love again to live. 

To thee all-knowing, seeing man, 
Seeked ear, pierced eye to question 
What melodies, what triumph of tune, 
We hear each day, approached in distance. 

Thus waiting patiently a sign 
Till lo, at once your answer spoke, 
Bit by bit could I discern. 
Adorable face and curls in shadows. 



Vers Ego 4^ 



A sweet and tender little face 
Looked sadly down upon the earth 
With eyes so mildly to embrace 
(My frame felt new in its birth). 

Again to-night, O moon so mild 
Proclaims this message, aye of him 
Who does not be, like yonder child 
Shall in no way there enter in. 

Once more looked I to bid good night. 
This child of heaven from my room 
A cross beholding to my eye 
Through windowscreen up in the moon. 

Ah ! Screen of seeking, mortal self 
This cross appeals to you so real 
Wert thou to take away this fence 
A clearer way, more Life to feel. 



42 Fers Ego 



A MEASURE 

How can I measure? 
Where can I measure? 
When can I measure? 
This love of whom 
All life gives forth 
Its wane of birth. 

Thee will I measure! 

Here will I measure ! 

Now will I measure! 
Thine likeness all 
Reflected, all that is 
Thy goodness verily 
Only to measure 
Seeking to measure, 
Finding to measure 

O God ! this worth 
Tell me thy thought 
That I give forth? 
How to measure. 
Where to measure 
When to measure. 



Vers Ego 43 



THE MILLSTREAM 

Love of all Love bids me to write, 
Write, watch, obey, and I dictate 
Because thou hast confessed thyself 
To love but me alone. 
Not thine ownself. 
Then hear, that all shall hear, 

Shall understand 
Of riches crowned in loving me 
My hand shall always guide 

That you might see 
Perfection in each way 
Perfection always be 
At present rest content 
Love, pray, watch, play 

And lend a hand 
The day is nearly spent 
When all things shall be changed 
Changed in a word. 
For I am thy Lord. 
I leave thee now still amid 
The millstream of this side. 
A millstream racing down the track 
Your purpose, aim to drive 
The mill below 
To share your earthly service 
And then flow 

Toward the ocean of all Life 
Whence every drop becomes my own. 



44 Vers Ego 



I see you now, a single drop, 

Which from the side has broken, 

I see you flow with others, o'er the top 

And love is bearing you. 

Right to my ocean, 

You laugh, you play, you sing 

Down all your way rejoicing. 

What rapture, promises undreamed 

O ! God I give myself in thee 

Profoundest Love of Lovers 

I hear thy words, 

I cannot but obey 

Would never dare to drop 

Aside again 

Of idleness in drops on riverside 

Whence all the seeking animals 

Would drink me off with pride. 

The way seemed long 
And weary in beginning, 
Big rocks and stones 
Down the fall went crying 
Fearful I often 
South soon the ending 
Nay carried forth 
Securely safe each time. 
No stone, no rocks or falling 
More to hinder 
The millstream has become 
A great big river 
With ease and peace 



Vers Ego 45 



Traced slowly down to ocean 

Close to thy bosom 

Ah! Love of all Love 

I can already see myself 

Close near thee thus 

Eager listened to thy words p 

Of sweet devotion. 

THE NEW TREE 

O God! How great thou art! 
Thy Love, thy truth, thy life 
What beauty it imparts 
That still all mortal strife 
Ne'er did I comprehend 
That some of chosen few 
Would give their all and knew 
The fruit without beginning 
without end. 

And I, the new man 

Awaking, saw thy light 

This love which shone so bright 

And always nigh, 

Corrupted as I were. 

No more to go astray, 

My hands I lay in thine 

And follow thee 

My Christ, My mind 

My only living vine. 



46 Vers Ego 



INFINITUM 

At early dawn one morning I once stood 
To view the graceful nature as it would 
Unfold each hour of the coming day 
Bidding us men to work and play 
In the great ocean of infinite mind. 

There was man busy with machinery 
And untold devices for humanity 
Ever to create, to build and find anew 
The perfect life only where found by few 
In the great ocean of infinite Love. 

God gave humanity dominion over all 
Including earth and body to control 
To grow in grace and happiness so strong 
Enabling man to sift the right from wrong 
In the great ocean of infinite truth. 

TRINITY 

Thou shaper of Infinity 
In countless ideas thy trinity 
Of love, truth and life eternally 
Surrounds us all, we sing to thee 
We sing to thee. 

Thou creator of all reality, 
Expressed in beauty, thy divinity, 
We seek and learn each day sincerely, 
Embraced in all our Love to thee 
Our Love to thee. 



Fers Ego 47 



Thou maker of all thoughts to be 
Thou Christ of Spirituality 
In thee alone is immortality 
O hark our voice, we pray to thee 
We pray to thee 



A PRAYER 

This, O God, my high behest 
Every effort, every breath 
Let this be my very best 
Only then will I have rest 
Glad to see all people blest. 







S3r 



^, mif ir 



:pt 



50 Vejs Ego 



Built high their nest to hide upon 

The treetops, and sweetly songs rejoiced our hearts, 

love, which all in all I deeply drink 
Soon led me and revealed a different link 
On yonder hilltops clear 

1 gazed its beauty everjavhere. 
And lo, around, what richly feast 

Of blackberries sweet 

Choicest and plenty 

Ask I for the price, 

Naught, naught, said the miser 

But if thou well playest 

G'lYt us the some times 

The bees and the ants 

And Tainilie Butterfly 

Some fluting of the Manday 

Or Wagner or Beethoven, — 

To finish up this day 

In melodies would pay 

For meals to take so freely 

In the open. 

To this well I agreed 
And soon my flute 
No more so mute 
Began to show some speed 
And melodies in harmony 
Danced, flowed around and fled 
Low, far away and ceased. 
The bees and cricket tried 
Amazed from fluting tunes 
The human spell to mistake, 



Vers Ego 51 



In music lore — 
At noon, an earthly flower 
And 3'^ou my dearest trees not less 
Understandingly would guess 
This strain of symphonies 
Bowed gracefully their heads 
In whispering low to me 
Well paid is now your meal. 

A butterfly delighted 
Descended right before my eye 
"What a nice day," she sighed 
Drinking deep the sweetest honey 
To think, and all this without money, 

no! the flowers said, just wait 
Show me your colors beautiful 
Then this your meal is paid 
Obeyed, she opened spreading wings 
Up and down. 

O my! how pretty to discern 
How lovely chosen, well expressed 
Your charming garment, colors best 
Beholding wondrous little beauty 
Slowly I raised my arm near her 
And lo, she read and showed no fear 
Descended on my hand thus musingly. 
How strange, how glad I felt to see 
This tiny object, yet in her 

1 felt this love for all the more 

And mine the same and both we bring 
The creator of us all, our prayer up to him. 



52 Vers Ego 



And then she fled — 
An opening next I reached 
Another hilltop clear 
Looking around viewing afar 
As far as eye could reach 
A splendid view, between saw 
Fields richly covered crops 
I heard the farmers' children down below 
Of happiness all cried aloud 
The mother busy, eager helped 
To gather fruit in fields 
And then she kissed her little child 
Who waved her tiny hand toward 
Her daddy, and he answered mild. 
The sun methinks went slowly, 
Passed away on yonder hill ; 
Only the reflected beauty left me 
On this spot, dreaming left me still 
Till at once, summoned aroused 
I homeward made my way. 
Homeward? O what a lie 
No, thou art my home, my house 
O all the earth, O all you who 
Would sing with me 
Of goodness all, eternally. 



Vers Ego 53 



NIGHT 

And eventide approached 
But memory impressed 
This perfect day, recalled 
My dormant muse. 
Left house behind 
With you enchained 
My sister night. 
I have to picture yet 
Your other half 
Like on canvas 
Yet unfinished 

Of starlight wide 

Clear and bright 
And love that filled the distance 
Undisturbed of fretting, talking 
Soon in peace that found'st me walking 
Midst thy glorious nightly light 
Ah, ye hear, ye hear, ye hear 
Katy-dids, and ever3rwhere 
The visitors of night. 
Until all one flowing tune 
Of joyful triumph concert of man, 
And well he led his band 
A master in himself, with steady hand 
Directed all, directed, and then hide 
Behind the trees 
And pictured forth in them 
The strangest fantasies 
An eagle here, two wings, two branches 
Would bid inviting me, 



54 y^rs Ego 



"Come beneath me. 

Come beneath me." 
Aside of different brushes 
A chasing rider, horsebacking 
Fled with the night wind 
And farther on, a mother with her child 
Embracing her tenderly, mild 
And startled looking to the left 
Three men in garments long, in haste 
One pointed far aside 
Like gladsome news, of a coming bride, 
Till lo, a stronger note 
Rang in my ear 

"Come ye here 

Come ye here." 
Finding at last this plushing note 
A pond with lillies filled 
A quiet resort 
The moon gazed into it. 
Confused of beauty 
Much like Elysian, nay 
Far better yet, thus why 
So new, lovely, utterly. 

Long did I lie in tender arms 
Caressed of kisses, which not harm 
Breathed I the beauty of the night, 
Till all at once a murmuring low 
Nearby, it seemed much like an echo. 

"Drink ye me 

Drink ye me." 
Startled me up, to find and see 



Vers Ego 55 



A spring, a source of water pure 
Ah ! how I stilled my thirst on shore 
On nightly seeking dawning love 
My lips were burning hot 
Drank water pure and cold 
Like ice run through my body 
And cooled, refreshed, Ah me! 
I lay then in the grass, 
The dew comfort my burning cheek 
And looked and piercing thus 
As far as eye could see 
As long as mortal mind could grasp 
The heaven starry flashing 
On the immortal sea 
It seemed all unending, 
Only time, 

Would call, would wake 
Me up again. 

Refreshed, recalled, aroused 
To different wonders 
Breathed I the sweet fragrance of pines 
Close by, and aye 
Three weeping willow trees. 
Beyond this pond of peace. 
Her branches, weeping, weeping 
Approached and asked the cause 
Of her sorrowful adoring look 
Said she, "I will reveal you all 
My crying, if you kindly would 
Sit in my branches and lean your head 
Warm on my heart, lest you might fall, 
Embrace me well 



56 Vers Ego 



Now I will tell. — 
A long time since my weeping 
The birds took a disliking 
And built no more their nests 
That I might hold and bless 
Their happiness in my arms. 
Days and nights I kept on crying 
The only answer, they would bring 
'To build our nest, your leaves too small 
To hide our children from the foe.' 
Since then I kept on still, 
One bird calls me the weeper will 
Thine tears I cannot quell. — 
Thus love, my heart cried out 
Till man sought me about 
And clipped my hair 
Now I am his share 
In baskets holding fruits and nice 
Things for his children to enjoy 
And what is more, he thinks me beautiful 
Thus I kept still on weeping 
This time of joy, and both we bring 
You with your joy of weeping 
1 with a song of heavenly bliss" 
And in her arms I fell asleep 
And dreamed, that me an angel kissed. 



Vers Ego 57 



MIDNIGHT 

Long after I awoke, 

A startling noise 

My faithful dog 

Had traced my way 

Poor fellow, lonely he indeed, 

Now glad, was begging me 

Come down out of 

This weeping willow tree. 

The moon had disappeared 

my ! for deep into the night 
Beholding yet amazed 

A skylight, stars so bright 

And what I saw then next 

This which me most preplexed 

Traced I a comet's way 

Of grandeur, light display 

And wondrous thus I stood 

Whence does he stop 

Whence does he go? 

In peace I found reply 

Of all the things that is would he 

Take care, infinite mind, our God 

Secured our way at home, 

1 and my dog. 



58 Vers Ego 



HAPPINESS 

Happy is the man, who above all else 
Seeks God, Truth, and Love, not self 
Immortal Life, his only reality 
Of fruit so rare, eternally 
And ways untrodden will reveal 
His mouth will be a new tongue 
For he already is God's son. 



Vers Ego 59 



ABRASONS 

Abraham alone one day 
Midst people seeking, disobey 
And worship false Gods of their heart 
Awaking, Abraham summoned Lot 
And showed him all its wrong. 
"Let us get hence and separate 
And love our only God, before too late 
In truth eternal, seeds, the Christ 
Our share well to preserve, of lies 
To see its utter nothingness 
The short endurance in the flesh 
And you will see our fruit of generations 
God's children, ever thus, ne'er dying 
Onward the way, hand in hand 
Toward their ideals, happy band 
Sought and found, lastly their land 
Of choicest food and raiment 
We thank thee, father, for thine kind." 
Abraham thus spoke, but Lot 
Falsely believing matter the latt, 
"No arguing," said Abraham 
In gentle reproach 
"As you like it, take either, but watch 
Remember well thy fathers of old. 
Their lessons so bitter, in worshippmg gold, 
And Lot took his, 

Apparently flourished 
Harvesting, majestic beauty stood 
To earthly gardens, reaping its fruit 
There Abraham he saw. 
And was well pleased 



6o Fers Ego 



"But lo, with Lot so close to weeds 
I have to separate them all, take heed 
Thy brother yet be saved, now flee 
Till this all over, obey my voice, 
That you may stay Israel my choice." 
A glowing night, at birth and death 
Passed o'er this falsehood's earth 
Once more appeared the Christ, 

A fuller vision, 
Of lasting life and Love, his mission 
Abiding peace and joy divine 
And ever thus our Christian time 
Has only now started to reign. 
And ever thus united, not for self 
But perfect children of the whole 
Beginning to appear, to purify them all 
The Abrasons of perfect praise 
Eternally like rocks midst wars and cries 
Shine in all ages stronger ever. 
Columbus tasted well this never 
Failing Love tremendous whole 
Of Washington the same and all 
The truth of Abraham Lincoln us adorns. 
Its turn a woman holding high 
A lamp equally sexes nay 
Equalling all, a country beautiful 
Where Abrasons shake hands to-day 
Awaiting patiently the new cry 
Of peace on earth, in understanding. 



Vers Ego 6i 



THE HEALING RAY 

Lone I was seeking day and night 
Upon the ocean distant land 
In Nature's loving arms I might 
Still all my longings, yet my heart 
Of loneliness, emptiness it cried 
Nor women gracefully my bride 
With greater effort seeking far 
Again on different roads I tried 
A purer longing there I found 
In children smiling, singing are 
Like angels' innocence divine. 
Stilled here my aching pulse 
Onward I went on dififerent shores 
Met perfect man, of choicest band 
Helpers, workers, players, not for self 
But for the tired seekers down below 

And hand clasp hand 

And eye sought eye 

And heart felt heart. 
Ah! me! I understand 
And filled was soon my frame 

O Love! How great thou art 
Trembled, shook forcefully 
Dropped away, caressed and kissed 
God's all in all, the earthly shrine 
Praised ever, singing thy immortal name 
And then the source was reached. 
Infinite Love, the starting point 
The Christ within, of God's anoint. 



62 Vers Ego 



THE SCHOOL OF THE MASTERS 

The nightwinds of Love in Life 

Are blowing my way tonight 

And whispering in my ear 

Distinctly I can hear 

Of lovers passed away 

It seemed all like yesterday 

Schiller told me my faults, 

Longfellow looked them o'er 

Shakespeare next placed the words 

Said he used much more power 

And concentrate thy mind 

To the extreme 

In only this you'll find 
Immortal being. 
Entranced my way to kings of colors 
No doubt, the masters all were here 
There Raphael stood, something unfinished 
A woman beautiful, a child of loveliness rare 

Noost he in satisfaction, this proved 

My love for it. 
His rivals all around him 
Hasted, tried, and produced 
But all his mark there never reached 

Perhaps a little later 
And I left them with knowledge greater 
Next the triumph of harmony passed over 
With ease I struck the notes lower, 
But yet not satisfied, for Mozart 
Soon stopped my hands, and art 
In strains perfected soon unfolded 



Fers Ego 63 



There Wagner came and told me 
All this old! 

Create something new 

And more feeling! 
Beethoven then lastly said, this good 
Till swelled in balming melodies 

Where flowing 
Refreshed amid the hearers 
And in growing 
More refinely touched 
In hearts of beating Love 
Very fast in dreaming 
And ways untrod, were showing 
His work well done 
And well rewarded. 



64 Fers Ego 

THE GOLDEN SEAL 

Draws nigh, — 
Unfolding, tender bliss 
A breath that holds within 
The secrets of a kiss 

Of love 

In child 

Sublime 

In God 

Of Purity 

A man 

The Masterpiece 

Is wrought. 
Draws high, — 

A flower full in zeal 

Encircling warmth of heart 

Was kissed with golden seal. 



Vers Ego 65 



THE FACE 

Show me the face 

Of child 

Of Maid 

Of Man 

Lowly or bright 

In strength 

In love 

In life 

Seek I my like 
With each 
With truth 
With thought 
See in them eyes 
My own 
My friend 
My bloom, 

Life giving light 
Thou God 
Thou Christ 
Thou All 
Show me my face! 



66 Fers Ego 



A GAIN 

A gain in what? 

Of greatness? 

Applause ? 

Worldly gain? 
Or be it thy love 
Which like the sun of light 

Unceased 
Then not in vain 
A gain in gaining what? 

Pray, all this not hard to tell 
Alone the sooner 

All that best, 

Reflected 

The eternal 
Love in Christ the gain. 



Vers Ego 67 



BEWARE 
O ! Man, who art thou, that thou judge 
According to thy senses 

Full of lies itself 
Who art thou, that thou bars 

The spreading truth? 
Awake from thine own seeking self, 

Lest thou to be devoured 
Lost like a single drop 
Of water in the desert. 
Sooner come, and be in one 
Unchanging love toward 
The beauty goodness of thine own 

And put on 

This robe of Christ 

The childlike thought 
Who art thou, that thou judge 

Your brother's failure? 
If you know any better 

Why not help 
Him on his way, he might 
In time, when you the vision lack 
Help you again in turn 

And peace brought back 
In understanding, prove your love, 
To know the truth, which makes you free 
Even as the clouds sometimes 
The Sun of light oft hided 
Or as the stormy wars on earth 
Shakes all the lies, at last destroyed 
So you, in judging others 
Will be tried. 



68 Vers Ego 



MY PRAYER 

What did I seek? 
Wealth, power, plenty, 
Madly ambition, human will! 
There a great spot, a sight, a cry! 
O! just in time to find thy way 
Unworthy me of such delight. 
To taste thy fruits, now that I live 
Let me but give, but give 

And strive to do thy will 
Beware me, lest I drop 
Of boasting, yea even that 
In talking deceitfully thy word 
Of one I rest secured in that 
I my weakest points give way 
How easy claimed — there evil failed 
In mighty garment, that which Christ 
Destroyed illusion, O ! put it on, be wise ! 
Be rich, be strong, be one of him 
Ne'er did I dream this healing hymn 
Of peace and joy in Love and Truth 
Yea, even in my flesh and ever thus 
To sing eternal immortality. 



Vers Ego 69 



THE CHANGE 
O! God since thou hast given me 
And I have tasted from 
Thy cup of joyousness, peace commingling 
Ne'er understood I words upon 
Thy servant's mouth inspired from thee 
Bliss, countless bliss, harmonious whole 
Indeed as j^ou have said, 
The heaven within 
Unfolding daily to thy glory 
Than hear the slumbering of a child. 
Albeit it dares to speak 
But just to praise thee openly 
Before the world, that some 
Might sing with me, and feel 
The fullness of this Love, thy son 
Bestow^ed on all man alike. 
A turmoil great at present is 
The ending of it all to sense. 
All nations pray for victory 
All nations claim, their love alike 
Yet far from it. 
Till purified awakened oliF 
The dullness of this mortal mind 
Or needs within, in senses blind. 
In doctrines, that are human made 
Become to naught within thy law 
All nations anxiously await 
All nations meekingly obey 
All nations lovingly they pray 
For peace, for peace, the day 
Was spent, far into the night 



70 Vers Ego 



Far Into many nights, 

The war of wars is warring on 

The dawn of dawns is dawning on 

Of overcoming first within 

The war against no more to bring 

This bitter cup, will be avoided 

If future generations heeded 

The law of thy laws, laws of laws, 

The laws of senses, loose and loose 

Till losing all in victory 

Behold, t' seemed all so real! 

Naught but a dream 

This earthly all. — 
Can any power, any force 
Can any raging of the wars, 
Diminish Man, thy masterpiece? 
O ! father of us all, it is because 
Thou hast prepared a better rule 
A better way, a better world 
A better life to fit this earth. 
And all will learn and understand 
The students of the new school 
And all will pray, this not in vain 
In loving thee, and all in all 
To know that we are one by one 
Each of thy darlings, choicest child 
Or offsprings from infinite source, 
Of love and draws us ever nigh 
Unboundless beautiful, e'er flowed 
This fountain pure we need but be 
Aroused through thy own goodness 
All and leave all mortal plea 



Fers Ego 71 



Behind, meanwhile, that we are here 
To work and love like hand in hand 
Will bring this promised land, far off 
No more, but e'er nigh, and thou amidst 
Yea, heaven, as we loved accordance 
And Life eternal, joy abundance 
So drawing nigh, is drawing by 
The Love of Love is loving on 
The dawns of dawns is dawning on. 



72 Vers Ego 



THANKSGIVING 

Thanks give him, 
Who is all life, 
Yea, without ceasing 

Give him thanks 

That you and I 

And all combine 

A beating wing obedience. 

Thanks give him 

Our God of Truth, 

Of goodness, we 

Give him thanks 

That all and you 

Reflecting knew 

His loving guidance verily. 

Thanks give him 

As long as beats 

Our hearts within 

To give him thanks 

Sons all in one 

Our share is done 

In Christlike thought, our Father God. 



Fers Ego 73 

THE FORM 

Smite me to the earth 

My frame is but the same 

The lie about itself, 

Smite, O smite, and here I laugh 

Bit by bit as long you last 

Your utter nothingness 

Of all it must be good perhaps 

That I grow strong to help 
And see the allness of my God 
Yea, evil, soon you days no more 

Alone in goodness on Life's shore 
We start anew and safely brought 
Across, but who's unwise builder would 
Not first give his new ships a trial 
So have I been tried 
And seemed no good at first 
But lo, this patient love 
Where'er behind improving laid 
A fundamental rare solid 
And smiled, — his ships made good 
Because it deemed so weak. — 
Like a great master 
Who would form a bell 
To ring throughout the ages 
In all land and tell 
Of peace, united strength 

In love and truth. 
He sees his bell unfinished 
Yet all the form around it 
All the clay, which holds within 



74 f^^f's Ego 



His priceless masterpiece 

He sees and says, before you ring 

I have to break away this outer form 

This mortal clay, that 1 might bring 

You in my house content 

Of something done, well worth 

And have you all rejoice 

The pilgrim far on earth 

Man, my bell, my masterpiece 

1 see thee here in all your strength 
And beauty giving me delight 

Yet for this outer form I will begin 

And break it loose, but carefully 

Lest I injure my priceless bell 

And bit by bit 1 smite the clay 

Yea, patiently would bit by bit appear 

First dim, next followed pure and clear 

A glimmer now, another smite 

Another piece of clay away 

Fell to the floor, fell to the earth 

Slowly unfolded I see this birth 

My piece, my priceless masterpiece 

With love and truth is brought 

Out of the clay is wrought, 
My image, my idea, my perfect mind 

O ! Bell ! make a glad noise 

Give forth your praise 
Toward your master of all life. 



Ve?'s Ego 75 



SUNDAY MORN 

Calmness, stillness everywhere 
Heavenly altar, Love's bearer 
Impressing godliness found its way 
To every heart this a Sunday. 

O morn! So beautiful adorn'd 
Though daily strife nowhere around 
Could I but help to seek thee here? 
My blessed walls, free from all care. 

This balming loveliness, Sunday morn 
A striking bell inviting all 
Prayer and song winding the space 
To the all-knowing loving grace. 



76 Fers Ego 



THE CROWN 

The toilers watched and prayed 
On earthly plains, no one failed 
Restless the flying years 
Passed hy, and fears 
Still holds enchained the man 
Are all his earthly striving vain 
Seeking the crown. 

Countless in art thy Love 
Of Goodness filled so vast 
All breathing atmosphere 
Be it ant, bee or more 
Never for one moment 
This perfect government 
Can lack its destiny. 

Intelligence without end 
Infinite truth to lend 
Us understanding that we might 
Love him for evermore, this light 
Unchanging principle the crown 
Of Christ perception, God's alone 
Bringing us home. 



Vers Ego 77 



REFLECTION 

The mighty rays 

Of morning sun 

Far reaching lies 
A new day 
My child awake 
Begin to play 

God on heights 

Give greetings first 

Hears your praise 
Span the fields 
And laughing grass 
Of dew drop yields 

Good morning flowers 

How pretty clad 

Thy lonely bowers 
Made of colors 
Pure and rare 
All my brothers 

Hear the song 

Love, my birds 

Dream of long 

There my doggie 
Slow and steady 
Soon reached me 

Deep his eyes 

A tender heart 

And truthful gaze 
God has to 
Friend of mine 
Drops for you. 



78 Vers Ego 



Still our thirst 

Me and doggie 

Drops of birth 

God the giver 
Good in all 
Heard our prayer. 

THE PROCESS 

Steam, gigantic force, our servant 
Drives mighty engines thousand hand 
Could not compare thy force within thee 
As restless ever, as thy strength might be 
Hast wrought this age of iron hands 
Machinery a thousandfold to thy command 
And thou again from Man instruction loanest 
Steam, yea even you the start and end. — 
Thinking wondrously, what all this compared? 
Whence did it come, whence does it flow? 
Intelligence alone, that thought thee out 
God's plan to try, to build, hence man his toil 
Faithful, fearless, taking orders measure full. — 

Again I looked 

A dirty filthy basin 

Filled with water 

Before me stood. 

Full of living germs and insects 

(Appeared so real, appeared to sense) 

Beneath a flame of fire started on 

Here, seeming insects, germs, its death where soon 

Slowly mounted ever greater burst the flame 



Vers Ego 79 



Vapors, from the dirty filthy water came 

But pure and clean, a perfect drink 

Yet like in a kettle water boiled and cried 

So the basin emptied, water disappeared 

And the germs and insects were no more, but where 

An empty vessel now 

I have felt, have seen with my own eyes 

With my senses, could this all been lies 

Yet I saw, vapors pure, mounting in the skies 

Into clouds travelling far over many lands 

Dropping into gentle rain 

Down the earth again 

Stilled this longing thirst 

Of life in every plant, for new birth 
Marvellously I stood and thought 
But what of insects had become? 

There in this pot 
Had disappeared — but where? 
And found this unexplained 
Ah ! now I see 
I took this empty iron vessel, 

And then laid 
It in a furnace 
Of great heat 

Not very long, — the vessel melted 
And shew me liquid iron 
A stronger heat as was before 
And liquid iron was no more. 
Ah ! now I understand 
The pot seemed real 
To senses, very real 
And clearly here we see 
The lie, which is itself 



8o Vers Ego 



If this all is the case 

Again in bringing heat, 

Tremendous heat 
And to this heat 
A geater heat as even thus 
In the middle of this earth, 
Would take not long, 
Soon nothingness we would behold 
Yea, no more birth 
Was this perhaps 

What we call Christ 

When Jesus trod the waves. 

And demonstrated thus 

The perfect law 

The perfect life 
In seeing all its nothingness 
All that, what senses claims its own 
Never to have been, never where at home? 
Not very long, and we will understand 
Sometimes a ray 
Beholding to our eye 
A ray of truth 
And why are we so afraid? 
Because we need be purified 

We need be free 
And start to cry 
As did the dirty filthy water 
Suppose we call this burning flame 

The love of God. 
Suppose each one of us to be 
A single drop of dirty water 
And needs of service be 



Fers Ego 



To the eternal Master 
Would he not have us free 
From all the germs and insects ? 
Now let the vessel be our earth 
Sometimes she to be swallowed up 

In the eternal Love 

In the eternal Mind 
Thus small she is in God 
Thus small, as if you would 
A dot on paper make and say 

This must be her 
Whereas each single drop 

As you and I 
Have mounted upon high 
While, like the clouds 
We travel, throughout all eternity, 
And Christ always will lead 

Always has been 
And now that Science can be clearly seen 
We will behold our God 
Are we, but minus m. . . . 
Yet know we all his love 
His burning flame 
And like the clouds 
Pass into gentle rain 
To fill the earthly plants 
So will we soon again 
Pass into all, to God 
Or later on to drop on different worlds 
And be of service, ay! his word! 



8-2 Vers Ego 

BELLS OF NEW AGE 

Bong — bong, 
O earth! 
Bong — bong, 
How bad ! 
Bong — bong 
And sad ! 
Bong — bong 
How scratched! 
Bong — bong 
And marred! 
Bong — bong 
Thy face ! 

Bing — bing, 
New age! 
Bing — bing, 
Glad noise! 
Bing — bing, 
Of Bells, 
Bing — bing, 
Give forth, 
Bing — bing, 
God's love! 
Bing— bing, 
And truth! 



Vers Ego 83 



A FLOWER CONTEST 

Gentle, mildly tender, 
Brought forth the sun its rays 
What growing beauty it unfolded 
In flowers of great price. 

A lily white, a rose 
A violet, forgetmenot 
Where blooming ided thus 
Midst nature in deep woods. 

Me first, the lily spoke 
Look at my garment white, 
And with my scent I rose 
To conquer 5^ou alike. 

No, said the rose, beware 
Far prettier I am here! 
Best of all flowers art 
Of Lovers I am dear! 

You do me wrong indeed 
Mine is no boast, I long 
For Hearts in love, which meek 
The violet gave her song. 

I have no choice, no will, 
Forgetmenot thus spoke. 
Blue like the sky to fill 
My gratitude to God. 



84 Vers Ego 



Their argument was heard 
By the eternal creator 
You foolish things, he said 
You argue — soon no more. 

Was led by hand a child 
In Nature's loving bosom 
A child of love, yet wild 
To reap all flower blossoms. 

The lily there she found, 
Adorious and white, 
I break and take thee home, 
Rejoice my mother's pride. 

And all the flowers wept 
Our lily has gone away. 
The rose, her pride was kept 
Approaching soon her day. 

A lady sweet, and fair 
Sought proof to give her lover, 
A rose, she cried, so near! 
To him alone, none other. 

Again the weeping heard, 
One pride has gone away 
The violet lonely felt. 
How soon will be mine day? 



Vers Ego 85 



A woman elderly, 
To seek the silent wood, 
Here found the violet speak 
A sign of love to God. 

Forgetmenot, alone 

She stood, no words but smiled, 

Alone for him I am 

Gave me my name of Life. 

Thus every purpose well, 
In season changing bows 
Of beauty spells to tell 
Each perfect Love it owns. 



86 Vers Ego 



REPROACH 

To my friends, my brethren, 

To my helpers — enemies? 

Ah! no, how could this be? 

Though slowly to agree 

With painly striving to convince 

Would be a tenfold masterpiece. 

To laugh in spite your hate 

To glad it is not real. 

How could a man 

Though wrongly 

Brought to death 

Speak in his greatest pain 

My life is but to bless? 

And here I stopped 

If he then, part of the infinity 

How much the greater 

Would then his eternal father be? 

Plain, very plain 

And yet the consequences? 

The opposite of Love 

The opposite of All 

That in his life — he lived. 

To show the nothingness of death 

A suffering all to show 

For those deep in these opposites 

Could hear in time 

I only . . . 

Myself, yet time, in not eternity 

How glad I am, to be now, one of thee! 



Vers Ego 87 



NATURE AGAIN 

Consider all trees various 
How can man do otherwise, 

But love the perfect way, 

Of love in Life. 

All things from our breath 

All things strive to rest, 

All things do their best 

Yet in thy mind everything is safe. 

Lo, what perfect harmony, 

Ay, some change, it must thus be, 

And behind the screen? 

We ever loving see ! 

And all passed in a dream, 

And man stood there. 

In all his glory. 
Finished in the clay, 
Finished in this day 
Of Christ perception. 
Slowly breaking off to holy 
Living ever, singing ever. 
Praising ever, all one endless melody 
And speech was never known, 
No hiding lie could therein enter 
For thought, his thought alone. 
Was real, was read 
And all things had become our own. 



88 Fers Ego 



AUTUMN LEAFLETS 
(Introduction) 
A 

To my little lady Leaflet 

Tough life of seven springs 

A child not less, but sing 

Imparts her love to all 

A child thou art as yet 

But are not we, the children grown up? 

Happy us, if we can see 

And feel your childish quality 

Careless, joyful, happy 

You laugh, you play all day 

O! why are we bigger children 

Of sorrow, pain, dismay? 

Give us this lesson, leaflet mine, 

Show us, which comes. 

Reflecting the divine — 

Little did I think when I 

Presented you with leaves 

Of colored autumn 

How leaped my heart of joy 

To hear you bubbling say, 

I will give them to Mile. 

To have them pressed 

And keep them all the time 

Then add to them these lines 
But grant thereafter read 
From Mile, until mother's design 



Vers Ego 89 



Of Love has grown giving forth 
Like leaflets in unfolding weeks 
Much beauty, color of its own. 

THE LEAFLET 

B. 

What fragrant airs 

Pass through my windowsill? 

I stopped, away dropped Fall and mill. 

Autumn, thou at last hast come, 

This your message 

Adorious scent of leaflet 

Filling bewildered airy emptiness. 

O, how I love you, 

Wait, just wait 

And let me gather 

The prettiest color 

For wintry fireside. 

Take me'. 

Pick me! 

Look me! 
Which shall it be. 
Where to begin? 
One perfect here, 
More lovelier there. 
Of colors beautiful arrayed 
Each claimer of its own art, 

Undismayed. — 
Pray ! who has painted thee so well ? 
This alone my father tree can tell 



go Vers Ego 



T'was Love, he said 

That you might 

Enjoy and breathe 

This beauty life. 
All this, — my children, leaflet 
I bring forth each year, till best 
Designed garland the earth. 
But why, pray thee, tell me? 
To open eyes, to have you see 
My leaflets, ever in my bosom, 
Of loveliness, colors, ne'er dying 

Just like jAour bloom 
In care bestowed divine 
Express your colors 

Love your art 
You man, you mighty hand 

Of the eternal heart. 
O, let me gather 
My leaflets, none other 
And press them tenderly 

So near to me 
Profoundest love of nature 
To kiss thy children nature 
Yea, thou hast come, my messenger 

My Atoner 
Which are my colors 

Fruit this year? 
Designer infinite, I have no fear 
Since ever I am in thy bosom. 



Fers Ego 91 



AUTUMN FAREWELL 

The days are growing less, 

My trees, my love, my best, 

Of all my heart in nature's breast 

But why all this, O mother mine? 

Hast thought me well of thine 

Immortal ever love divine. 

A spring, as ever coming 

Blooming fresh. 
Unfolding into Summer 
Of tender wind is wrought the Autumn 
And here you are my Autumn 

Speak to me of this 

I love most best 
In thee I have found the cause 
Of all that is and was 

Joy without measure 

Love without ending 

Songs ne'er dying 
Yea, God of all breathing 
All children of him 

United reflecting 
In answer, his will 

Till lastly 
Our nature responds to his calling 
Outpouring my love. 
Where'er the change 
Your bird has thought me this, 
And all for nothing 
Only a glance of gratitude 

A Heavenly bliss 



92 Vers Ego 



Silence, deep serene, the silence 
Your trees all told me this 
No judging, condemning or winning 
In waiting received I 

An Angel's kiss. 
In listen of voices unheard 
And notes of music sublime, 
When the winds passed the earth 
And played the perfected strain 
In loneliness with him alone 
Apart from material sense 
As Christ in deserts was found 
And a woman to-day our defense. 
O! speak to me, my Autumn yet awhile 
Before we part, before you bid farewell 
This glorious afternoon. 

This year my last 
I kiss, embrace thee all 

Before I pass. — 
Lo, who is this? 
Who approaches? 
A Woman, or a lass? 
(A friend, perhaps, might be,) 
Ah, now! a gentle maid, a child 
I see in distant marching mild. 
Indeed as I have guessed a maid 
Shall I flee, shall I hide? 
Yea, t'would be best. 

But no, too late, she saw me 
Courage — do not leave! 
An image pure. 
Though did not dare to look 



Fers Ego 93 



But I felt and passed her by 

With downward eye. 

Yet methink I heard her breath 

And felt her bearing heart 

She, too, sought thee, my god 

Alone in Autumn love, untold 

'Twas too much, no longer 

Could I silence hear 

Something told me, that she were 

The loveliest, best 

The purest fair. 

Like of majesty, spellbound 

I could not help to turn around. 

Beholding her 
She too as guessed she mine 
Wooing, seeking look, stood there. 
Looked back, then motionless divine 
No words, but piercing eyes 
Like stars beyond the human ken 

Here both we felt alike 

No words but read each other's will 

And all the trees and birds at once 

All felt alike. 

All shouted full of joy 

To the eternal creator. 
Commingling blessings pure 
Of love within all lands 
The silence long at last 
Attempting words I tried 
But no, impossible this was 
A heavy bar, between us laid. 
Deep alone, midst deepest woods 



94 Vers Ego 



Who can prescribe who understand 

This perfect love and not a word 

Surely this can but be 

One of your angel's ministry 

I do not dare to touch 

Not able am to speak 

Yet in her longing eyes 

And tender face, so meek 

Respond my love for her. 

The silence brook, she said, not now 

Good bye, this all, good bye, my dear. 

Ah me! she goes away, no stay 
Breathed deeply for cry 
And could not, and struck dumb 

Only she had disappeared 

I uttered heavy words 

And thought the earth would open 

And take my frame and all 

This how I felt this moment 

When I was left alone. 

And here I stopped and thought 

Illusion of the false, of course. 
Strange, very strange, 

Again the present past 

I cried, and cried aloud 

And ask the trees' advice 

Here all we wept and wept 

Of pining tearing love apart 

How cruel after thou 

O nature must it be 

Because I love her most like thee? 

The answer soon rejoiced again 



Fers Ego 95 



My empty heart, O Autumn mine 
I see it all, yea wait and sing 
All through the winter, until spring 
Till Love has shown you better ways 
And would when ripened days 
Well worthy, well aware of her 
No parting then, beholding fair 

Your bride of choicest brides. 
Good b^e, adieu, farewell, good b5^e, 
O! Autumn of the splendid day 
That thou hast her to me revealed 
A face as pure 

I always dreamed 
Her loveliness, never will 
Depart from me, since still 
Her look continually 
Most bidden, and will see 
In my innermost delight 
And haunts me day and night 
Farewell it seemed hard 
But only for a while 
If it were not thus 
All love would be in vain. 
And even you my birds 
I hear your soaring, talking 
Descending all at once 
Midst empty trees 
And filled like leaves 
The naked branches 
To rest a little while 
Your travel seems a thousand miles 
Yet careless you keep on 



96 Fers Ego 



It is God's land in all. 
Filled me a happy strong desire 

To be like you 
And fly and measure 
All land and sky 
Where'er love would aspire. — 
Alone, once more alone, that night 
The evening star 
And countless brethren bright 
Ah ! Wagner, this I owe to you 
The evening star of Tanhauser 
Command full poured forth 
This favorite with strength, my song 
All nature stood in awe 
To hark this note inspired. 
Good bye, good bye, O Nature mine, 
My trees have gone asleep, Divine 
The creator covered up 

In snowy featherbeds 
All nature has gone to sleep 

Has gone to rest! 




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